2024/12/26
The premium member priority check-in counter for domestic flights at Haneda Airport has been renovated, and Traditional Japanese plaster "Toban" (ceramic panels) made from recycled in-flight tableware were used for the first time at a domestic airport on the facade of the facility that welcomes customers.
Traditional Japanese beauty x Creative Waste Reuse
The ANA SUITE CHECK-IN for ANA Mileage Club Diamond members will be renewed starting Dec. 2, 2024, followed by the north side ANA PREMIUM CHECK-IN for ANA Mileage Club premium members and premium class passengers on Dec. 18. Renovations for the south side ANA PREMIUM CHECK-IN will be completed in Summer 2025. One of the design concepts for this renewal is "traditional Japanese beauty," and the one-of-a-kind designs created by Japanese handcrafts and Traditional plastering by artisan give the premium zone a special feel.
One of the most eye-catching features is the facade made of ceramic panels, each of which is hand-fired by craftsmen. These ceramic panels were made by reusing some of the in-flight tableware that could no longer be used on board and had to be discarded, using traditional Japanese techniques. In addition, as an environmental consideration, natural linoleum, which is carbon neutral in its manufacturing process, is used for the flooring in the facility.
The process of making "Toban"(ceramic panels)
In-flight first class and business class passengers are served meals on pottery and porcelain tableware, which often get cracked or chipped and are subsequently discarded. We have been exploring the possibility of repurposing this discarded tableware for the enjoyment of our passengers and have decided to reintroduce it to the premium area.
Approximately 20 kg of discarded tableware was ground in a mill and blended into a glaze, which was then sprayed onto ceramic panels. These panels were fired in a kiln to produce colors and textures with depth. The finished panels were installed on a large wall, approximately 3 meters high and 22 meters long*, at the entrance facade of the premium area.
- * Total length of the ANA SUITE CHECK-IN and the north side ANA PREMIUM CHECK-IN combined.
The firing and glaze-mixing techniques used to convey the desire to 'introduce the traditional beauty of Japan' were crafted by the skilled artisans of Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics Co., Ltd.*
These two stunning facades, featuring beautiful gradations, can be admired at the Premium Member Priority Check-in Counter located in the Departure Lobby on the 2nd floor of Haneda Airport's Domestic Terminal 2.
Interview with the person in charge
We interviewed Ms. Inai of ANA's Products & Services Planning Department, who was in charge of the renewal.
How did you come to use broken dishes?
We decided to use ceramic panels for the facade design and wondered if we could make use of broken pottery and porcelain discarded from the flight.
What were some of the challenges you faced in coming to fruition?
The process of achieving the desired color was very delicate, and we appreciate the hard work of the craftsmen. While the exact color was not known until after the firing, we were able to communicate the desired color through repeated trial and error in terms of glaze mixing, spraying, and temperature during firing, and the final product was a perfect representation of the color.
What would you like to see in the premium area in the future?
In addition to enhancing comfort, convenience, and functionality for our customers, we aim to create a space that reflects ANA's hospitality through the use of traditional Japanese design techniques, while continuing our efforts to recycle resources.
The ANA Group will continue to prioritize enhancing customer convenience while advancing the effective use of limited resources.
